Dear Polite Librarian: If one has used up one's supply of mace on the patron who asked if one would like to "get a gander at Mr. One-Eyed Tiddywinkles," is it acceptable to simply stab the assumed potential serial killer patron in the ear with one's pencil stub? (I am new to the library field and do not wish to alienate either my bosses or my customer base with my neophyte gaucheness. Thank you in advance for your help.)